Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez Nears Return After Hand Surgery

Dominican third baseman José Ramírez has made steady progress in his recovery from hand surgery. The left‑hand hamate bone was removed on June 16 after he was injured against the Detroit Tigers. Team president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said Ramírez has been hitting off a tee and is expected to begin overhand batting practice within the next couple of days, keeping the original five‑to‑seven‑week timetable. The Guardians project his return later this month, after the All‑Star break, noting his 2019 surgery on the opposite hand allowed a 30‑day comeback.

Ramírez, a seven‑time All‑Star with a .278 career average, was batting .239 with 10 homers, 33 RBIs and 24 steals at the time of his injury. His absence has not derailed Cleveland’s contention; the club sits just a hair behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central and continues to rely on rookies and other injured players. Antonetti cautioned that further checkpoints remain before Ramírez can resume full competition.